Solid Waste Management

Solid Waste is a broad definition identifying discarded waste materials. The State of Minnesota passed several laws in an effort to better manage solid waste; one of the laws provides counties the authority to manage their own waste.

Programs

Benton County has several programs addressing the management of solid waste. The foremost program is membership in the Tri-County Solid Waste Commission. This entity works on solid waste issues regarding Sherburne, Stearns and Benton Counties as these counties share the official boundaries of the City of St. Cloud.

Benton County’s other programs include the Amnesty Days, Household Hazardous Waste Collection and SCORE grants. Amnesty Days and Household Hazardous Waste Collection are annual events for the collection and proper disposal of various items and materials which individuals may find difficult to dispose of properly. SCORE grants are Minnesota State dollars allocated to Benton County for distribution to entities undertaking projects that support environmentally responsible waste management.